You hear the word ecotourism thrown around a lot. For some people, it means simply getting out into the open country. For others, it’s an education on how to treat Mother Earth as gently as possible. The international ecotourism society defines it as “responsible travel to natural areas that conserve the environment and improve the well-being of local people.” While there are several terrific tours in Puerto Rico, for travelers looking to reconnect with nature, you can’t miss one of these ecotours.

Experience Water Power

Coffee lovers, this one’s for you! Take a tour of Hacienda Buena Vista; a 19th-century coffee plantation is a trip back through time to Puerto Rico’s agricultural heyday. Guests have a chance to see one of only five working coffee plantations in the world that uses water power. Your guide will also show you the stone canals carved along the mountain trails. These canals channeled water to the mills used to grind the harvested beans to make coffee, of course, but also cornmeal.

Go With the Wind

15 Knots is your introduction to kiteboarding, a sport that might sound intimidating and complicated for someone with no experience. The truth is, this exhilarating sport is accessible with no prior experience, provided you listen to Juan Carlos and his staff.

The other way to soar with the wind is to hang glide above the canopy of El Yunque. This seemingly intimidating sport is actually quite gentle, bringing you close to true flight. If you’re interested, contact Team Spirit for details.

Ride the Waves

Surfing is not for the faint of heart, as you’ll need strength to stay upright and balanced, but that’s all part of the excitement. Numerous surfing outfits are available in Puerto Rico, particularly in Rincón and the west coast. If you’re in San Juan, services like Wow Surfing offer great options.

Glow With the Flow

Puerto Rico’s bioluminescent bays, or bio bays, are among the most wondrous and unique natural phenomena the island has to offer. Fortunately, tour operators take care to maintain these natural resources. Most bio bay tours in Fajardo and Vieques involve kayaking, except for Island Adventures, which will take you to the Vieques bio bay on an electric pontoon boat.

Zip to It

Ziplining has become an eco-tourism mainstay. While you’re flying through the air suspended by a cable, your environmental footprint remains minimal. Puerto Rico is home to several zipline parks, but few can rival Toro Verde, a zip-line park in Orocovis, which is well worth a day-trip from San Juan.

Overcome Fears in the Forest

El Yunque is one of Puerto Rico’s cherished natural treasures, a gentle rainforest without menacing flora or large, predatory fauna. However, the action-packed tour offered by Rossano and his guides at Aventuras Tierra Adentro is anything but gentle. As you hike, rappel, climb, swim, and scale your way up and down the mountains, you’ll enjoy the more extreme side of ecotourism. If you’re up for the challenge, prepare for an unforgettable adventure.

Walk the Walk

Hiking and walking through Puerto Rico’s beautiful terrain surpasses driving any day. While some hikes require a bit of travel to reach, the pleasure of exploring the lush foliage of El Yunque or the unique landscape of the Guánica Dry Forest is truly worthwhile.

Many tours offer walking and hiking options, both in San Juan and the island’s interior, with one reliable choice being Legends of Puerto Rico.

Row Your Boat

You’d be hard-pressed to find a more eco-friendly marine vessel than a kayak. Small, sleek, and motor-free, kayaking provides a surprisingly relaxing transportation mode that pairs you with nature through your paddle. Kayaking is a beloved pastime in Puerto Rico, and tours can take you to oceans, lakes, bays, and lagoons all over the island. No matter where you are in Puerto Rico, a kayak awaits your adventure.

Watch the Birds

Birdwatchers have long recognized Puerto Rico as a must-visit destination. Whether along the salt flats of Cabo Rojo or during a birdwatching tour of Old San Juan, you’ll have opportunities to observe fascinating species in a serene setting.

Witness Nature at Work

Evolution is a slow process, yet it can create masterpieces beyond human creation. The Camuy Caves, shaped by a millennium of nature’s artistry, reveal an underground wonderland filled with stalagmites, stalactites, and antique rock formations. A walking tour of these stunning caves offers a chance to witness nature’s creative process in action.